Michael Ring
Question:211 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to increase the maternity cash grant amount for medical card holders. [25868/99]
Written Answers - Maternity Grants.
I have no plans to increase the maternity cash grant amount for medical card holders. The report of the maternity and infant care scheme review group, which was circulated in 1997, recommended that payment of the existing small maternity cash grant, which is available to women in the lower income group, should cease and that health boards should consider providing assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. My Department is currently in the process of implementing the report's recommendations.